The number of people who died due to extreme heat in Germany this year has risen to 12,500, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).
The RKI estimates these fatalities by using mortality data from the Federal Statistical Office alongside weather data from 52 stations of the German Weather Service (DWD).
The institute stated that its heat-related death estimates are conservative. An RKI spokesperson noted that the institute updates its heat-related death estimates monthly, including for past years, due to model improvements.
Regional and age-based mortality
Regional data shows an estimated 1,710 people died from heat in Hesse and 1,600 people died in Rhineland-Palatinate up to August 2, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). In Saarland, heat-related mortality was 43.4 deaths per 100,000 residents, while Rhineland-Palatinate recorded 38.7 deaths per 100,000 residents. Hesse reported a rate of 27.2 deaths per 100,000 residents, and Baden-Württemberg recorded 23.9 deaths per 100,000 residents. The nationwide heat-related mortality rate was 15 deaths per 100,000 residents.
Total estimated heat-related deaths in Germany up to August 2
The majority of fatalities occurred among older populations. Approximately 6,300 heat-related deaths occurred among people aged 85 or older, more than 3,100 deaths among those aged 75 to 84, and nearly 1,900 among those aged 65 to 74. Approximately 1,200 heat-related deaths occurred among people under the age of 65.
Temperature thresholds and historical data
A heat-related increase in mortality typically becomes apparent when the weekly average temperature reaches 20°C (68°F), calculated from daily and nighttime temperatures. During the period from July 27 to August 2, the nationwide weekly average temperature in Germany was 21.6°C (70.9°F). In 13 federal states, the weekly average temperature exceeded the 20°C threshold during the analyzed period, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).
On June 28, the temperature in Coschen, Oder-Spree district, Brandenburg, Germany, reached 41.7°C, setting a new heat record. Earlier in the year, the RKI estimated 11,900 heat-related deaths in Germany up to July 26, and for the week of June 22–28, an estimated 9,600 deaths occurred.
Regarding historical data, the estimated heat-related death toll in Germany in 2019 was 7,700, the majority estimate; one source does not provide a 2019 figure. For 2018, the estimated death toll was 9,400, although one source claims the figure was 8,900.
Heat-related deaths are not listed as the direct cause of death on death certificates in Germany because they typically result from a combination of high temperatures and pre-existing conditions. Additionally, the RKI reported approximately 5,120 heat-related deaths in Germany from week 15 to week 26 of 2026.
